Ask Ann Aguirre! discussion

If you have process or writing related questions, this is where you can ask them. I'm happy to answer!

Hi! I have read all of Sirantha Jax and the first in the Corrinne Solomon series. I plan on reading #2 in the Corrinne Solomon series soon. And of course I absolutely cannot wait for Aftermath.

One of the things that drew me into Blue Diablo immediately was the physical setting and the inner diaogue of the lead character. I have been an American living in Mexico City and I thought you captured the experience exactly. Throughout the rest of the book, the setting was amost a secondary character -- northern Mexico and then the border area. I loved that part of Blue Diablo. Anyway, my question is did the fact that you live in Mexico inspire the setting? And do you plan to write more books in this setting?

As to the inner dialogue, both Corinne and Jax are very thoughtful charcters. Alot goes on in their heads and I love it. I guess I don't have a question there, sorry -- I just wanted to let you know that I like that. :)

Yes, I did want to write a series where I could use my experiences as an expat to enrich the books, so I'm glad that rang true for you!

There are a total of five books sold in the Corine series, and I'll write more if there's demand.

Ann thank you!

I have to say the books never stop. Every page counts. The action is always going. Do you have a process to make it all keep moving fast forward? This probably sounds strange in the way I'm asking. But the books feel as the story is on fast forward, but never rushed in the way that you aren't getting everything. I didn't know if you ever go back to remove any sections and tweak the wording to make all the information fit in with the actions. Or do you leave certain things to the readers mind to fill in? If you do, it's amazing. I feel I get so much information packed in with the action.

I write by one rule of thumb: "Make it worse." Generally, my characters' lives will just keep getting crappier as I write about them. I do leave them happy in the end, but I torment them greatly along the way.

Typically, my drafts are short and lean, which adds to that fast pace you mentioned. In revisions and edits, I add details but I do it with my editor's guidance so I don't bloat the book. All of those factors contribute to my pacing, and thank you for the kind words! :)

When it comes to creating new characters and sub-characters where do you start first?

Good morning, all! I'll be here for an hour this morning, so feel free to chat.

Lyndsey, my books generally start with one central character and I build everything around him or her. I look at type of person he or she is and then consider what sort of world would have resulted in this individual.

Hi Ann,

When you started the Jax series, did you have the entire seires mapped out? In a general sense, did you know how the last book of the series was going to end?

Yes, Jax did have a definite arc. I'm writing the last book this summer. And yes, I knew how it was going to end.

So how does the first draft flow the best for you? Pen and paper, computer screen, Dictaphone or a combination?

Also the area you write the most effectively... Is is sparse or is it full of inspirational and thought provoking (or distracting) things?

I type my drafts on my laptop. As to where, home definitely; I am not one who can be productive in a coffee shop, surrounded by people. I'm too prone to people-watching. At home, I'm itinerant, so I don't get sore from staying in one position too long. So I roam around with my Macbook from loveseat to bedroom to outside on the patio in my swing.

I've enjoyed watching Sirantha Jax level out emotionally. In Grimspace and Wunderlust Jax was extremely paranoid, self centered, and insecure. She, of course, came by those emotions honestly. The quote "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't after you" applies to Jax. While reading Killbox I kept wondering what was different about this book. It seemed calmer even though a bunch of nasty stuff was going on. Jax didn't seem to be verbalizing her insecurity and paranoia as much. She has really matured.

I'm so glad you noticed! Yes, Jax has definitely matured. I love her character arc.